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In his State of the City address Mayor Bob Filner began by comparing the city to a sick patient now recovering. (Published Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013)

Updated at 9:33 PM PDT on Tuesday, Jan 15, 2013

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner delivered his first "State of the City" address Tuesday, giving a positive prognosis of the city's recovery.

After more than a half-hour delay and a long list of "Living Legends" awardees, Filner began his speech by comparing the City of San Diego to a sick patient who has overcome illness and is now on the path to recovery.

Additionally, he said his administration has secured a location in Tijuana to work on urban policies between the two cities.

Among his hopes for future growth, Filner said he will continue to pursue solar energy on all municipal buildings, to tackle homelessness and to improve infrastructure for walkers and bicyclists.

Filner to Deliver State of the City

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner's first few weeks in office have been bumpier than expected. NBC 7 reporter Gene Cubbison explains what the rest of his term could look like. (Published Monday, Jan. 14, 2013)

His address comes after a rocky six-weeks in office, filled with criticisms of his transparency and a minor scuffle with another top Democrat on the council -- last week, Filner confronted Council President Todd Gloria and a senior assistant attorney over conflicting Council appointments to outside board and commissions.

Referring to his own memo of appointments, at least one of which was in dispute at a public hearing, Filner barked: "It doesn't ask for someone to be appointed who is not a member of this council! I just told you that -- you know it very well! You're asking a phony question, and you'll get a phony answer!"

Those he considers fools and phonies try Filner's patience.

So do those, like City Attorney Jan Goldsmith, who obstruct his agenda.

Filner ultimately prevailed over Goldsmith when the city’s top lawyer told him he could unilaterally suspend targeted code enforcement against marijuana dispensaries.

“I would like to re-set the button, as it were," Filner said in an interview with NBC 7.

While furthering the aims of the medi-pot community, the move might run afoul of leading neighborhood activists and businesses -- as well as federal prosecutors.

But Filner has made it clear that what used to be business as usual at City Hall has been termed out.

And that's ruffled feathers.

"In Washington D.C., if you're abrasive with people, that's seen as normal,” says Republican strategist Ron Nehring. “But in San Diego and City Hall, where people are expected to work together, it's really standing out. And he needs to adjust."

Filner's defenders say he was a "known quantity" to voters.

Images: Mayor Under Fire

This, from Democratic strategist Jon Elliott: "Bob's critics? I have one thing to say to them: 'Get used to it.' If they don't like the way he runs it, vote for somebody else, but you're stuck with him for four years. And I say, give the man a chance to see what he can do, and then assess him on his opportunity."